While the topic of artillery and long-range precision fires have entered the public interest following the war in Ukraine and artillery’s extensive use in that conflict, little attention has been paid to artillery as a tool in the preceding conflict, the War on Terror. As such, the role of artillery in modern combat, even though the post-9/11 Wars now seem like a distant memory, has been immensely influential and offers a litany of valuable lessons as the world evolves towards strategic competition.

Artillery, and indeed, Canadian artillery, was on the ground in Afghanistan alongside some of the very first American forces in late 2001. Canadian forces were instrumental in standing up the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), and remained a key, valuable partner until Canadian forces departed in 2014. Many of the pivotal early events in the Afghanistan war timeline featured the heroism and daring of Canadian forces, and particularly its Artillery Regiments.

CSPC hosts Wolf Riedel, (author) and Kevin Smith (research director) of the book “With a Few guns,” on June 18th, to discuss their work, a timely and insightful recount of the role of Canadian artillery in the War on Terror and the impact of policy on military affairs. Indeed, the work serves as a critical repository on tactical and strategic lessons learned in America and Canada’s longest conflict. Mark Zuehlke has written extensively on military history and is renowned in Canada and internationally, and Wolf Riedel is also an accomplished author on defense and military issues. Kevin Smith is the lead investigative researcher and instrumental coordinator for the “With a Few Guns” project and is a prolific analyst on military affairs.

Wolf Riedel and Kevin Smith joins CSPC on June 18th, 1PM EST/10AM PST to discuss the book “With a Few Guns,” the pivotal role of artillery in Afghanistan, and lessons learned from that experience for the era of strategic competition. They will be in conversation with Ethan Brown, Senior Fellow for Defense Studies at the Center for the Study of the Presidency & Congress.